MADEMOISELLE
I’m sorry for the Shakespeare fans out there but Stratford-upon-Avon would be the last place I would want to visit, as Shakespeare and I are not the best of friends and I will admit now that my opinion did not change after this trip.
However, all is not lost… we stayed at hotel indigo which was very pleasant and in the centre of S-U-A. The interior design of the hotel was very classic of the Shakespearean era with dark furniture wood and had slight modern elements to it. The surroundings of S-U-A, was reflected in the atmosphere of the hotel with a historic factor and you could clearly tell that the hotel wanted to keep the famous history of this place alive.
After we checked in, we explored the town and investigated the shops. They had lovely unique independent shops that we don’t have where we live, in particular a shop called ‘Neon Sheep’ which if we did have it near us, my bank account would be empty! But if you are a shoppa-holic like me then your time spent in S-U-A will be worth while.
We came across Shakespeare’s house which was along the street of shops and I’m not going to lie to you it was nothing special (unless you are fascinated by Shakespeare, then it’s something to see). As we made our way back to the hotel because it was very cold, I noticed there was a bagel shop just across from the hotel called 'Gorge' and if you are a big bagel fan like me, then this shop is the place to be. I was so excited to try it and from that point onwards I couldn’t stop thinking about lunch for the following day! However, I had to prepare my appetite for the posh dinner that we had planned that evening.
We were back in our rooms, which had a much more modern feeling, compared to (other older parts of the hotel) the lobby of the hotel. The bathroom was again my favourite part of the room because although it was modern the blue and white tiles had a historic pattern on them and the shower was like a rainfall shower - the water doesn’t come out from a shower head but from the ceiling. Furthermore, there were very yummy snacks and drinks available in our room that you didn’t have to pay for, so if you get peckish at night, you’ve got a midnight snack available!
As we headed down to dinner we had a drink at the Falcon Bar, whilst we waited for our table to be ready. The bar had a heavy, hunting and woody feel to it but idyllic when it’s cold outside and you want a snuggly enclosed setting. This time the cocktail I ordered was a Gapefruit Julep, with vodka, honey, lime mint, grapefruit juice & Genadine... needless to say it was very very nice!
The meal was served in the hotel’s restaurant, the ‘Woodsman’. The menu was very traditional but had a selection of choices. I have to say it fitted more with an adult taste bud than a teenager but nevertheless it was tasty especially the potatoes!
The next morning, we made our way down to breakfast, which had a beautiful selection of tasty breakfast treats with a choice of fruit juices as well as your cooked breakfast and a variety of eggs with avocado. Whatever you normally have for breakfast, you name it, they will have it. I could have eaten breakfast all day, it was very good but sadly they did run out of things. During our breakfast, we had a very thoughtful waiter who advised us on where we should go in town and the places we should see;he was very nice and made our breakfast plus our experience of the hotel that much more memorable.
We prepared ourselves to explore the last bits of the city before heading home. We made a pit stop at Anne Hathaway’s house, which was lovely and quite a big house too. With Shakespeare’s house and Anne Hatherway’s, if you wanted to see the inside, you had to pay. But we weren’t bothered about seeing it from the inside, so we just experienced the outside.
Moreover, it is known that Hathaway’s house is pretty in the spring as the flowers engulf the house and make it very picturesque. We couldn’t experience this as we went in wintertime.
Before I forget, we did go to 'Gorge' the bagel shop and all I can say is it was a great lunch and I enjoyed every mouthful! (Definitely a must).
Stratford-upon-Avon is definitely a historical place and is best suited for individuals who love learning about Shakespeare and the history of England, because you definitely learn a lot about how England was back in the day just from the environment and buildings that surround Stratford-upon-Avon.
I have to admit Stratford-Upon-Avon is not my kind of idea of a trip but I can’t complain as it was worthwhile and got to see a few different things.
MADAME
Every part of a trip should be part of the experience, especially the hotel, even if it is only for one night. Staying somewhere that makes you feel relaxed, looked after and welcome, makes the world of difference.
Located in the middle of England, on the banks of the River Avon, the market town of Stratford-upon-Avon offers over 800 years of history and many original ancient Tudor buildings. Synonymous with England’s famous playwright William Shakespeare, who was born and lived in the town, it offers a bustling community with a wide variety of restaurants, accommodation and shopping experiences to enjoy.
Located in the heart of Shakespeare’s town is the boutique Hotel Indigo. Just a few minutes’ walk from William Shakespeare, 16th-century birthplace, the hotel combines original Tudor features with beautiful colourful contemporary designs combined with a strong William Shakespeare theme running throughout the hotel.
Parts of the hotel date back to the 15th-century, and offer a wealth of history and character. Originally the Falcon Hotel, the property was a private residence for 150 years before becoming a hostelry. No other building in the town today has a longer continuous history as licensed premises. The original Tudor decorative black and white half-timbering and slanted windows are stunning examples of this classic architectural feature of the Tudor period.
The connections between with traditional and modern part of the hotel are seamless, making it a truly unique place to stay. The tradition of the 15th century building, combined with the charm of the Georgian Townhouse and the modern contemporary wing, offers style and sophistication.
The old part of the hotel offers guests a small cosy library with modern plush furnishings, as well as a cosy nook with wood panelled walls and comfy sofas and arm chairs to relax and rest.
The famous hotel restaurant ‘The Woodsman’, as the name suggests, serves food with a focus on the philosophy of ‘field to fork’, with fresh, local, seasonal produce, created into interesting dishes to attract any palette.
Each dish is beautifully presented and the freshness of the fare is evident in the taste; be it the finest British deer, wild boar, beef and Hebridean lamb or fresh fish.
To accompany your feast is an offering of local ales and fantastic wine, which have helped make the The Woodsman the place to be in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Our elegant room, in the new wing, had a fabulous bed with luxury Egyptian cotton linen, a stunning spa-inspired bathroom, a Nespresso coffee machine, high speed Wi-Fi and a variety of channels on the huge 40” flat screen TV!
The breakfast buffet is a photo opportunity in itself, with the display offering the most delicious homemade granola bars, fruit and yoghurt compote pots and an array of ham, cheese, cereal, pastries and refreshments; perfect for preparing you for the day ahead.
This is the perfect place to make home while in Stratford-Upon-Avon, as you will be welcomed by friendly staff who make home feel even closer.
October 2019